Director Madison Young’s guide to visionary porn films

What’s it like going from starring in adult movies to making them?

Swings both ways Madison Young directed her first film Bondage Boob Tube in 2005. Image Picture Pat Mazzera

When Madison Young began starring in porn films aged 21, she already had her eye on getting behind the camera.

Young majored in theatre at college in Chicago. Far from the stereotypical image of the exploited porn actress, Young insists pornography was just another way to express herself.

“It provided me a safe container to explore and study human sexuality,” says Young from her home in LA. “Meanwhile, I experienced life-changing sexual encounters – and got rich. It’s intriguing material for work as an artist.”

Young directed her first film Bondage Boob Tube in 2005 and says: “I haven’t put the camera down since.”

“Experience allows me to look out for the physical and emotional needs of my performers”

Specialising in bondage and S&M movies, Young, 34, reckons all porn directors should take their turn performing films first.

“I’ve performed in hundreds of scenes, and that’s given me a great insight into what I value on set,” she says. “That experience allows me to look out for the physical and emotional needs of my performers, and they feel empowered by the environment I create with the film crew.”

Having directed 41 films, Young is a veteran of the industry. She hosted her first erotic film school this year – a three-day seminar in San Francisco teaching budding directors how to make ethical porn, where the needs of the performers come first.

“More women consume porn than ever,” Young adds. “That’s huge. More women, feminists and gay and transgender people are directing what turns them on. It’s awe-inspiring to see such momentum in feminist pornography.”

The way people consume porn has changed massively during Young’s 13 years in the industry, but she insists it has lead to greater diversity. She says the days of the bored, fat white dude behind the camera are over.

“There’s so much diversity now in directors,” says Young. “That’s partly down to technology. I shot an award-winning scene with French performer Judy Minx and her friend Emily on my iPhone last year.”

“I did a film called Kinkinapolis where I was transformed into an anally-powered motorised racing car”

As well as writing her upcoming manual The DIY Porn Handbook, Young hopes to work in the mainstream film industry.

She’s finished writing a screenplay based on her autobiography, Daddy, and says: “I’m excited to bring the conversation around sexuality and feminism into the mainstream film world.”

Her idea of mainstream might be different to Hollywood’s though.

“I did a film called Kinkinapolis where I was transformed into an anally-powered motorised racing car,” she laughs.

“Basically, I was strapped into a fucking machine on wheels. As the dildo pumped in and out of my anus, the machine propelled forward around the racetrack. The whole scenario was hilarious.”

My philosophical guide to making visionary porn movies by Madison Young

1

Dream big

“Close your eyes and dream your film. What do you see? What is it that inspires you? Give yourself some time to really envision your film.”

2

Navel-gaze

“Ask yourself what is your motivation to create a porn film? What do you hold close to your heart that you’d like to see presented in a film?”

3

Build your team

“Finding the right team members is essential. Use social media to reach out to other indie film-makers and performers.”

4

Negotiate

“In any relationship, communication and negotiation play a key role. That includes the unfolding of someone’s sexual self on camera.”